Number/type of jets – standard heat transfer suppliers of jets, customizable number of jets • Hot tub heater – wattage, power used, speed of water heating • Controls – electronic, single or dual, pneumatic, remote control • Number/type of pumps – single, dual, or triple pumps • Electrical requirements – 110v or 220v • Surface/pad requirements – dirt, gravel, concrete •

Accessories and extra features – fountains, water features, CD/stereo, lights • Hot tub covers – standard, custom, high-density, with or without automatic lifter • Delivery and/or installation costs – shipping from distant supplier, delivery by local pool or spa supplier, labor to place spa in desired location, initial spa set up Ongoing Costs of Operating a Hot Tub: • Chemicals – what chemicals are recommended, where can they be purchased, how much do they cost, what quantity is likely to be needed • Filters – capacity, recommended length of time between changes, price and availability of replacements • Electricity – cost per kwh from your utility, features and insulation to conserve power and preserve heat •

Water – cost per gallon each time spa is filled, pH of water to determine quantity/type of chemicals needed • Repairs – local repair technicians, accessibility to pumps and motors, warranty length and coverage • Upkeep and maintenance of cabinets and # shell – cleaning, staining, preservation In general, it is better to put your money into some of the 'hidden' features that will make your home spa last longer and cost less to operate. The internet is a great tool for finding literally thousands of sources of information, but it can also add to the confusion by making it hard to know which sites offer objective insights and which sites are thinly masked sales pitches for a particular manufacturer. • Hot tub – name originally given to the earliest spas that were typically round, made of wood, and located outdoors; now is commonly used interchangeably with the phrase 'home spa'.

This includes things like effective insulation, quality heaters and pumps, good water filtration systems, and the like. • Cabinet maintenance – if the cabinet is made of wood and the portable hot tub is located outdoors, plan to re-stain the wood at least once per year. What is most important is that you select a spa that has the features best suited to your own needs and preferences. Careful shopping and selection of a home spa pays off in the end, though, as you end up with a portable home spa that can give you years of enjoyment.